Studies on dog population and its implication for rabies control

Abstract

Dog population studies were carried out in Agbowo area, Ibadan, Oyo state using the street Counting Technique and Questionnaire Survey approaches. 17 dogs were observed on average through street counting technique, 719 houses and structures were identified both inhabited and uninhabited on 42 street networks. 25 households with 441 inhabitants responded positively to Questionnaire Survey. The ratio of household dogs to man and street dogs to man were 1:11 and 1:25 respectively. The level of rabies vaccination observed was 33.3% while only 5% of the dogs were immunized against canine distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis. Four people were bitten either by their dog or other people's dog. 68% of the household dogs were outdoor most of the time and unleashed deriving their food from family food waste and scavenging about. In view of these observations there is need to embark on a nationwide dog population census for effective veterinary healthcare delivery system.
Key words: Dog population, rabies control